Polar announce H10 HRM and a Shirt

This is probably a renamed H7i ie the late-2016 model we were expecting. Indeed this may well dash hopes of what the H7i might have been. however it does have an inbuilt but currently inactive accelerometer (Source: FCC) and maybe it could have a bridging function (unknown). The implications of the H10 are that really it will only suggest a V800 replacement if there is BRIDGING functionality – we do not know if that is the case (probably not).

The H10 is all about multi-channel Bluetooth , initially, supporting Polar’s links to GoPro (also announced today, below) as well as caching and supporting a T-shirt/wearable (below)

The device is stated to reduce interference. Perhaps this is where sometimes static is thought to cause spikes and dropouts in HR readings? Although I’ve never had that problem with Polar HRMs myself.

Bluetooth Low Energy

5 kHz transmission frequency (the underwater one)

Firmware updateable

Waterproof 30 m, suitable for swimming. Possibly the grippier strap design and streamlined profile of the pod will make pool swimming easier.

Built-in memory with Polar Beat for one training session

User replaceable battery CR2025

Compatible with dozens of leading fitness apps, including Polar Beat (handy for out-of-range gym use with the caching)

Compatible with old and new Polar products (that use either BLE or 5kHz)

Compatible with indoor gym equipment and Polar Club/Team Solutions

Available in Q1 2017 for $89.90 /89,90 €

Slowtwitch and others show that, like the later Garmin HRM straps there are 4x sensor pads. Also this is a caching HRM that can form two Bluetooth connections (provided one is GoPro). Caching is not especially useful for swimming IN THIS CASE as Polar already handle that with the 5KHz signal – it’s more likely aimed at team sports, hence the sensing shirt will likely use this device/pod too in some modified form. Having said that, caching could be useful for Polar users who use an app (Polar Beat, maybe) rather than a watch, although you would have thought Polar would be more keen to encourage watch purchases.

Have a read of the GoPro info, below, if that’s your thing.

Announced a few days ago, the Polar Shirt also seems like a red herring for endurance athletes (that’s why I hadn’t mentioned it). A good idea. But only available as part of Polar’s offering for the rough and tumble of team sports.

This year’s CES, the global consumer electronics and consumer technology tradeshow in Las Vegas, is in full swing. As always, it’s full of exciting launches and product news. We are proud to announce the new Polar H10 heart rate sensor and more details about our GoPro connectivity.

What’s new in a nutshell

The new Polar H10 heart rate sensor

The new Polar H10 heart rate sensor provides advanced heart rate monitoring and features an entirely new measuring algorithm. Polar H10 is the newest evolution of Polar heart rate sensors that are known as the industry standard for heart rate tracking.

The new chest strap includes extra interference-preventing electrodes to ensure heart rate is captured accurately and without interference.

Overlay heart rate data with Polar H10

The new Polar H10 heart rate sensor sends heart rate data to the GoPro HERO5.“Adding heart rate data over action videos not only enhances the Polar experience for adventurers, but also enables them to truly showcase and relive their athletic accomplishments”, says Marco Suvilaakso, Chief Strategy Officer at Polar.

GoPro connectivity for Polar V800 and Polar M600

Athletes can also use the Polar V800 and Polar M600 to operate basic commands on their GoPro, such as

Availability

Support for the GoPro HERO4 remote control on Polar V800 is coming this January.

Support for Polar M600 and GoPro’s HERO5 line-up will come early this year.

Polar H10 functionality for both GoPro HERO4 and HERO5 devices will be available during the first quarter of 2017.

Polar Team Pro Shirt for professional teams

We’re also introducing an entirely new wearable sports technology product for us: the Polar Team Pro Shirt.

Optimized for professional athletes, Polar Team Pro Shirt is a sleeveless, base-layer shirt that replaces the need for a chest strap monitor. Polar Team Pro Shirt men’s base layer comes with seamlessly integrated sensors to monitor heart rate and sensor pocket located on the upper back for optimal GPS reception.

Availability

The Polar Team Pro Shirt will be available in March 2017. It will only be available as a part of the Polar Team Pro solution and cannot be bought separately.

GOPRO® and HERO® are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc. in the United States and other countries.